At their regular meeting June 28, Salmon Arm City Council approved the development permit application submitted by Askew's Uptown Shopping Centre Ltd.
This approval brings SASCU a step closer to proceeding with the new branch development on the Uptown site.
We are now awaiting permit approval from the Ministry of Transportation and as SASCU CEO Michael Wagner puts it, "This last step is expected to be resolved shortly after which site and building excavations should commence. We should see equipment working on the site before the end of July."
For updates as this project moves along, please check back regularly.
Image courtesy of Askew's
Plans for a second branch in Salmon Arm are moving forward.
At a Strategic Planning Session this May, the SASCU Board of Directors unanimously approved the recommendation to proceed with the new branch.
Next steps include completing the development permit application process by the end of June and then finalizing the purchase of this property. The services to be offered at the new branch are now being confirmed and we’ll be seeking your input through member focus groups. With these pieces coming into place, construction is tentatively scheduled to begin August 2010.
Consistent with the values of a financial cooperative, this new branch is an investment in you, our members – an investment that offers you more convenience and access to your credit union.
We encourage you to follow this page for updates.
Thanks to all who are participated in the SASCU Uptown Development Survey. This survey was mailed to homes in the Salmon Arm area and was available online March 22 to April 31.
The names of five survey participants were randomly selected and cash prizes ranging from $50 to $250 have been award to the following participants. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who provided input.
The winners are:
If you have questions about this potential second branch, please email us at newbranchinsalmonarm@sascu.com.
Following a public hearing January 25, the City of Salmon Arm approved Askew's Uptown Development Ltd.'s application to re-zone property east of the Holiday Inn Express. With this application now passed, Askew's can start the development permit process for its second shopping centre in Salmon Arm.
This approval also allows SASCU to move forward in planning for a potential second branch on the site. As planning progresses, watch this page for details.
First and second reading on an application from Askew's Uptown Development Ltd. was approved by Salmon Arm City Council January 11. The application requested the rezoning of a 3-hectare piece of property between the Holiday Inn Express and the Super 8 Motel to allow for the development of a second Askew's shopping centre. This proposed new development provides an option for a second branch in Salmon Arm for SASCU.
A public hearing about the proposal is set for Monday, January 25, 7:00 pm at City Hall. For more details, click here. If you have specific comments or questions, please email us at newbranchinsalmonarm@sascu.com.
Salmon Savings and Credit Union has experienced phenomenal growth over the past 7 years, doubling in size since 2003. The recent upgrade to the Main Branch in Salmon Arm has allowed us to better use our space, but we knew this renovation would only allow for growth in the short term. We need another branch in Salmon Arm and we have a location in mind that will serve our members well.
Back in 1990, the Credit Union anticipated this growth and purchased additional property. In 2008, the City of Salmon Arm revoked financial institution use for this property.
In purchasing this property, the Credit Union considered the way Salmon Arm was growing and the increase in population east of town. Having a second branch in this area makes sense to meet the needs of a growing community.
We also see the importance of building a branch where other services are offered. Askews Foods recently purchased property just up the hill from the Holiday Inn. Askews has plans to build a second store in this location and we appreciate the value in partnering with this local company which like the Credit Union has been a long time supporter of the community.
In our annual Member Surveys, members have indicated that location and convenience are key factors when dealing with a financial institution. This means, providing a service close to where people live, work and shop, where ample parking is provided and you have easy access by foot, bus, bike or car. This new location beside Askews is ideal for SASCU.
As the Credit Union continues to grow, we need to remain committed to quality of service and access. A second branch would allow us to ensure members aren’t standing in long lines waiting to see a teller and that appointments to open an account or set up a mortgage happen in a reasonable amount of time.
Our purpose in providing you with this information now is to keep you abreast of important upcoming changes. We also require the support of City Council to amend the zoning by-laws and allow for the use of a financial institution outside the C-2 Town Centre Zoning. SASCU will be approaching City Council this fall and we look forward to your comments as we prepare for this application.
Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union remains invested and rooted in the down town and we are staying true to these roots by also looking ahead to support the future needs of our members and community.
If you have questions or wish to provide your input and support, we would be pleased to include your comments in our rezoning application to City Hall. You can email us at newbranchinsalmonarm@sascu.com.
By providing us with your email address, we will also keep you updated on progress and developments in our application including important public hearing dates. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Michael Wagner
Chief Executive Officer